Mr. Vane:

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the improved arrangements for recruiting and training civilians to replace R.A.F. meteorologists have now been made; and whether it is yet possible to raise the level of release of R.A.F. meteorologists to bring them in line with the average of releases in the R.A.F.

Improved conditions have recently been offered to civilians who wish to join the Meteorological Service. Applications are being invited from young men and women who have reached the School Certificate standard, and from those who have already served as meteorologists in the Royal Navy and in the R.A.F. The response has so far been satisfactory, and I have every reason to hope that the arrangements made for training will be the same. I am afraid, however, that I cannot now predict when R.A.F. meteorologists will reach the general level of release.

Mr. Vane:

Would not the right hon. Gentleman admit that this is a very inexact science, and would he say whether he thinks it necessary to keep in the Service so many of these meteorologists who are very anxious to be released?

The main trouble with the science is that one cannot predict far ahead, but anything up to 95 per cent. of our short-term predictions are correct. They have been of immense importance to aviators, transport workers and farmers, and we must go on with the service and make it better.

Will the Minister consider taking on some experienced fishermen, who are much more accurate in their forecasts?

I shall be very glad to consider any nominations which the hon. and gallant Gentleman may put forward.